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Lumpy Ridge Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.5 (45)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. Estes Park
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“A beautiful hike showcasing some of the most scenic trails that Estes Park has to offer. ”

Mikhaila Redovian
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Map Key

10.7

Miles

17.2

KM

Point to Point

9,231' 2,814 m

High

7,778' 2,371 m

Low

2,361' 720 m

Up

2,387' 727 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

26%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs No Dogs

Overview

One of the most popular loops in Estes Park, this loop passes through open meadows and wooded areas, all while giving the hiker stunning views of unique local geology. With one steep ascent, and rolling trail after that, any trail user is sure to feel the burn on this loop.

If you have time, the extra trip up to Bridal Veil Falls adds a beautiful viewpoint, as well as a great place to take a much-deserved break!

Description

If you choose to take this loop clockwise, you'll be starting out headed towards the Black Canyon Trail. Take the Lumpy Ridge Trail to start, and then branch to the left at the first junction.

The Black Canyon Trail starts on a gentle descent, so take your time getting warmed up. This section passes through open grasslands, so there are plenty of unobstructed views. Take in the scenery, and enjoy Estes Park's unique geology as you start to ascend to your next trail junction.

At this junction, take a right-hand turn onto the Dark Mountain Trail, which will connect you to the Cow Creek Trail. Once on Cow Creek, you'll be following the trail's namesake creek. Bridal Veil Falls is located at the top of the creek, and the view is worth the detour if you're up for the extra mileage!

Once you're ready to continue on to the Gem Lake Trail, take another right at the junction with the Cow Creek Trail. You'll want to save a little bit of energy for the end, as this trail travels through rugged outcroppings. The travel will be mostly downhill at this point, so keep an eye on your footing.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

Shared By:

Mikhaila Redovian
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 45 votes

#2

in Estes Park

#252

Overall
  4.5 from 45 votes
5 Star
56%
4 Star
36%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Estes Park

#59

in Colorado

#252

Overall
58 Views Last Month
21,572 Since Sep 24, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
2%
24%
29%
45%
0%
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Photos

Looking south across Gem Lake on a calm spring morning
Jul 9, 2018 near Estes Park, CO
On the trail to Gem Lake with permission from dreamer 200
Jan 8, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
The view hiking down from gem lake
Sep 12, 2018 near Estes Park, CO
Elk near Estes Park CO
Jan 8, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
Gem Lake
Dec 8, 2017 near Estes Park, CO
Yet Another RMNP Panorama
Dec 7, 2017 near Estes Park, CO

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 24, 2023
Claire Thompson
11.1mi — 4h 27m
Jun 4, 2022
Nick Barendregt
Great weather and nice to hike on some less-traveled trails. 10.4mi — 4h 18m
May 13, 2022
Hiep Ngo
With Lisa ❤️
Sep 6, 2021
Dorothy Krebill
Jul 11, 2021
Matt Sturchio
10.8mi — 5h 15m
Jul 11, 2020
S M
Jun 2, 2020
Kacper Pawlaczyk
13.6mi — 10h 00m
Oct 19, 2019
Daylene York
10.9mi

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